Systems and methods for characterizing a patient's propensity for a neurological event and for communicating with a pharmacological agent dispenser

Abstract

The present invention provides systems and methods for managing intake of a pharmacological agent. In one method of the present invention, the systems and methods are for controlling intake of an anti-epileptic drug. In such embodiments, one or more signals from a patient are processed to predict an onset of a seizure. Upon the prediction of the seizure, the patient is allowed to access the pharmacological agent in a pharmacological agent dispenser.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present invention claims benefit to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed Dec. 28, 2005, entitled “Methods and Systems for Recommending an Appropriate Action to a Patient for Managing Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders,” (BNC Docket No. 2.00US; WSGR Docket No. 31685-713.201) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed Dec. 28, 2005, entitled “Methods and Systems for Recommending a Pharmacological Treatment to a Patient for Managing Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders” (BNC Docket No. 2.01US; WSGR Docket No. 31685-713.202), both to Leyde et al., the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to monitoring a patient's condition and controlling administration of a pharmacological agent. More specifically, the present invention is directed to characterizing a patient's propensity for a future seizure and facili...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention addresses the problem of chemical abuse of AEDs by providing a way to selectively limit the access to and administration of the AEDs. The systems and methods of the present invention are able to characterize the patient's propensity or likelihood of a future seizure. Upon determination of an increased propensity or likelihood of the future seizure, the present invention facilitates allows the patient to access the AED. In preferred embodiments, the patient is only allowed to access a dosage of the AED that is needed to prevent the seizure. The ability of the present invention to deliver an AED at substantially the lowest effective dose and at or near the time when the patient has an elevated propensity would minimize the exposure of the patient to side effects, maximize the benefit of the AED and help limit the potential chemical abuse of the AED.

Problems solved by technology

A seizure typically manifests as sudden, involuntary, disruptive, and often destructive sensory, motor, and cognitive phenomena.

Seizures are frequently associated with physical harm to the body (e.g., tongue biting, limb breakage, and burns), a complete loss of consciousness, and incontinence.

A single seizure most often does not cause significant morbidity or mortality, but severe or recurring seizures (epilepsy) results in major medical, social, and economic consequences.

Epilepsy is most often diagnosed in children and young adults, making the long-term medical and societal burden severe for this population of patients.

People with uncontrolled epilepsy are often significantly limited in their ability to work in many industries and cannot legally drive an automobile.

This continuous seizure activity may lead to permanent brain damage, and can be lethal if untreated.

The anticonvulsant and antiepileptic medications do not actually correct the underlying conditions that cause seizures.

Some of the fast acting AEDs are primarily used as sedatives, and their desired therapeutic effects are often accompanied by the undesired side effect of sedation.

While chronic usage of AEDs has proven to be relatively effective for a majority of patients suffering from epilepsy, the persistent side effects can cause a significant impairment to a patient's quality of life.

Furthermore, about 30% of epileptic patients are refractory (e.g., non-responsive) to the conventional chronic AED regimens.

Because of the severe side effects caused by the chronic administration of high dosages of AEDs, patient compliance with the chronic AED regimen has proven to be a difficult problem to overcome.

Consequently, many patients are still prone to seizures due to the noncompliance with their chronic AED regimen.

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